President: Douglas Singletary, AIA, LEED AP
Doug is a Southern California native who took up architecture while still a teen and is currently managing his own firm in Ventura which has institutional, commercial, and residential projects thoughout the southland. Licensed in California since 1993, he has enjoyed designing and managing projects throughout the U.S. as well as in Europe and the Middle East. Doug and his wife have a lifelong love of the arts and their years of living in Germany were a joy of museums, galleries, architecture, wine, food, and travel adventures. They also love beautiful weather, compact small towns, and the Pacific Ocean so, in 1985 when the German project was built, the Singletary's chose Ventura as their home, a decision they have never regretted.
Vice-President: Laura Kay Dunbar, AIA
Laura Kay Dunbar has been in the community of Ventura since 1983, coming from Pasadena where her love of architecture was born. Whether it was trick or treating or attending a wild high school bash, she had opportunities to experience the architectural gems of her city and developed a deep appreciation for the exquisite craftsmanship and design throughout her neighborhood. Laura is now a licensed architect and her firm, Dunbar/Collings Architecture, has been specializing in residential design since 1991 with an avid interest in sustainability and recycling construction waste. Recently, she has obtained her General Contractors License from the State of California and now offers construction capability with her firm. She is also on the Board of the local USGBC Chapter of C4. Laura has two grown sons, the youngest, Bennett, is in his first year at Humboldt State University studying Marine Biology and the oldest, Bryan, is graduating from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, this June. After discouraging his initial desire to pursue architecture, Bryan is graduating with a degree in business and has a job secured. Yahoo!! Laura has recently rejoined the AIA this last year after a long hiatus. Her goal, as a board member, is to increase membership and attract a wider range of professionals to participate by understanding and implementing the needs of the local architects.
Secretary: Bill Amador, AIA, ICC
Born and raised near downtown Los Angeles, Bill received his architectural education at Los Angeles City College and the Southern California Institute of Architecture. He has resided in Westlake Village since 1993. His firm, Amador Whittle Architects, Inc. in Moorpark specializes in public sector and educational projects. Bill's partner in life and in business is Jean Whittle Amador. In the 1980's, prior to becoming licensed architects, Bill and Jean ran a residential construction company. 2010 will be "Graduation Year" for the Amadors as Bill and Jean's older daughter Renee will graduate from Seattle University and their younger daughter Lauren will graduate from Agoura High School. Bill and Jean are looking forward to being "empty nesters"; traveling, volunteering and relaxing in beautiful Ventura County.
Treasurer: Aaron Walker, AIA, LEED AP
Aaron became a member of the AIA in 2005 shortly after becoming a licensed architect. Born and raised in Glendora, he has spent most of his life in Southern California. In 2003 he graduated Summa Cum Laude from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo earning his Bachelor of Architecture degree. He was awarded the AIA Scholastic Gold Medal and Outstanding Senior Award for graduating at the top of his class within the College of Architecture and Environmental Design. As a fourth year architecture student Aaron was accepted into the study abroad program in Florence, Italy and spent nine months enjoying examples of both old and new architecture throughout Europe. Aaron works in Westlake Village as a Senior Associate at ConDocS, Inc. and as President of the design-build firm ConSerT, Inc. For the past three years he has also served as a Youth Leader for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is the Venturing Advisor for the Boy Scouts of America Crew 9680. Aaron and his wife Jennifer are the proud parents of four children and currently live in Simi Valley.
Architect Director: Patrick McIlhenney AIA
Patrick is serving his fourth year on the Board, and has served as Secretary, Vice President and President. He is a native Californian and Ventura County resident for 40 years. Pat worked for three architects, a contractor, an engineer, a major developer, and even for the Ventura County Public Works Agency before he decided to get serious about being an Architect. He has been licensed since 2004. Asked why he hustled this late in life, he was heard muttering: "Life is short...if not Now ...When?" Pat has his own successful practice firm..."Square One Architecture" in Ventura. He is committed to being involved and giving back to the community and his latest passion is volunteering for the deaf community. He loves his wife of 37 years and his proud of his two grown children, Erin and Erik.
California Council Director: Richard McKenzie AIA
Richard joined the AIAVC Board in 2006, and has served as Vice president and President. He will serve the position of California Council Representative. His past background in the AIA is extensive; he has served for 7 years on the AIA Santa Barbara Board of Directors and as Director on the California Council for Santa Barbara County for 4 years and has attended AIA Grassroots Leadership and Education Conference 6 times. His formal education is from the Boston Architectural Center and also a BA degree from Brooks Institute in Photography/Motion Picture. He has been licensed since 1992 and in private practice for 16 years in Santa Barbara and is a certified construction specification consultant and as an architect he specializes in accessibility compliance issues, waterproofing and façade restoration for commercial, institutional and educational clients. Richard has lived in Ventura for the last 6 years. He is a dad to a 17 year old daughter and a 14 year old son that is committed to surfing the Ventura coast.
Associate Director: Matias Prassolo, Assoc. AIA
Seeking an opportunity to contribute to the professional community and create greater value for Associate members, Matias joined the AIAVC Board in January as Associate Director. He is a native of Argentina where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Architecture. After practicing architecture in Buenos Aires and Barcelona for 7 years, he relocated to Ventura, CA in 2003 and has been working in different architectural capacities since then. His passion and focus are in the field of residential design. He also runs an artist representation business with his wife with the goal of promoting Latin American art in Southern California.